Waihaha Section - Great Lake Trails

Highlights

• Highlights

  • Waihaha Bridge

  • Volcanic Rock cliffs

  • Tieke Falls

  • Echo Rock

  • Kotukutuku Falls

  • Scenic boat transfer around the Western Bays

• Plan your trip

  Given its remote location, accessing the trail requires a bit of planning, especially for riders without their own transport.

  We highly recommend enlisting FourB Bike Shuttles & Tours for your shuttle and transfer needs. They don't just make the logistics seamless; if you're eager to dive deep into the area's beauty, they also offer guided bike tours. These tours are a fantastic way to discover and learn about the trail's most captivating viewpoints and landmarks. With your bike shuttle, the FourB team will also organize your water taxi transfer at Waihora Bay back to Kinloch. If you are keen to ride further, they can arrange for the water taxi to drop you at Kawakawa Bay to ride the second half of the Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails back to Kinloch.

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  Getting here

  Taupō is the main gateway to the Great Lake Trails, with the trail’s hub of Kinloch around 20 minutes’ drive away. Taupō’s airport connects it to regional New Zealand; Auckland International Airport is less than five hours' drive away.

  Nationwide Intercity buses link Taupō with destinations further afield, while smaller shuttle operators provide local services.

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  Bike hire, Transport & Tours

  Bike hire, shuttles and the water taxi are run almost entirely from Taupō. Fluctuating seasonal demand and the remoteless of pick-up/drop-off points makes it essential to book these services well in advance.

  Find bike hire

  Find transport & tours

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  Accomodation

  Taupō has a wide range of accommodation both in town and around, all close to cafes, a supermarket and other visitor services. Kinloch has a respectable range of (predominantly homestay) options, too, but limited capacity makes it essential to book space in advance, the earlier the better if you plan to ride in peak season (December–March).

  There are two back-to-nature campsites in Kawakawa and Whakaipo Bays (restrictions apply), plus a couple of glamping options near the trails.

   

  Find accommodation

• Need to know

  Direction	The trail can be ridden in both directions, however we recommend riding west to east
  Access, transport & guides	Please arrange for your shuttle to drop you off at the start of the Waihaha section at 4478-4184 Western Bay Road, Waihaha and for a water taxi to pick you up at the end of the track.
  Water taxi	Yes (from trail end to Kinloch). Book water taxi prior to departure.
  Dog access	Yes, dogs allowed
  Trails nearby	Whakaipo Section and Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails